Active body for a submunition having effective agents

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a submunition ( 100 ) having effective masses (i.e., active masses), particularly having at least one pyrotechnic fog body ( 1 ), comprising an insulation layer ( 2 ) disposed between an active body container ( 3 ) and a pyrotechnic unit ( 4 ), wherein the active body container ( 3 ) can be closed by a cover ( 5 ) having a blow-out opening ( 6 ).

This is a Continuation-in-Part Application in the United States of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2009/002070 filed Mar. 20, 2009, which claims priority on German Patent Application No. 10 2008 019 752.1, filed Apr. 18, 2008. The entire disclosures of the above patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a thermal insulating layer, in particular, between smoke and flare containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Infrared-guided, radar-guided and dual-mode-guided missiles are used, inter alia, to attack, for example, seaborne targets, such as marine vessels, or other objects on the land and in the air. After being fired, these missiles or rockets initially fly with inertial assistance (see, for example, DE 196 01 165 A1), or are guided by Global Positioning System (GPS) to the target region. The missile then enters a search phase once it is sufficiently close to the target. Furthermore, the missiles are switched to the target (lock-on) and track this target until impact (track phase). A “track-gate” depth D is approximately 150 meters in relatively old missiles, and only a few meters in modern missiles.

Various decoy bodies are used to decoy such guided missiles in order to impede the function of the missiles by jamming, or interference, in order to protect objects. When a threat is identified, some decoy bodies emit electromagnetic decoy signals (see, e.g., DE 100 16 781 C2), and others form “clouds” of floating dipoles (i.e., chaff clouds), which are matched to the radar frequency of the missile.

Pyrotechnic objects are ejected as submunition from a projectile at a specific altitude, and are initiated in the process, before they then fall to the ground as they burn.

However, conventional submunitions occasionally have the disadvantage that heating can result in uncontrollable separation of the pyrotechnic active mass from the active mass container, which could lead to uncontrolled involvement in the exothermic reaction of the active mass in the system. Until now, the aim of achieving an active mass assembly of greater strength has been attempted by greater compression forces during manufacture. For example, EP 1 026 473 discloses a method for providing a decoy target for protection of land vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft, or the like, in which the missiles have a target seeker head that operates in the infrared band or radar band, or a target seeker head that operates in both wavelength bands at the same time or successively. In this case, the RF active mass in the form of dipole packs, in particular, is protected by a heat shield against the blow-out heat.

The object of the present invention here is to specify a submunition with active masses that avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages and in which the functional reliability of the active masses is considerably improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is achieved by a first embodiment, which pertains to an active mass body for a submunition having active masses, in particular a pyrotechnic smoke body (1), having an effective agent body container (3) and a pyrotechnic charge (4), characterized in that an insulating layer (2) is included between the active body container (3) and the pyrotechnic charge (4), and the active body container (3) can be closed by a cover (5) with a blow-out opening (6). Various additional embodiments, in accordance with the present invention, are summarized as follows.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, the first embodiment is modified so that a plurality of smoke bodies (1) form the submunition. In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, the second embodiment is modified so that the active body containers (3) are distributed symmetrically around an imaginary projectile longitudinal axis (10). In accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment, are further modified so that compounds whose chemical and physical characteristics comply with the characteristic preconditions of an insulating layer are used as the basis for the insulating layer (2). In accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the fourth embodiment is further modified so that preparations or products of non-toxic, organic or inorganic compounds from groups 2, 3 and 4 of the periodic table of the elements, such as magnesium, calcium, boron, aluminum, carbon, silicon and tin, are preferably used. In accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the first embodiment, the second embodiment, the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment, and the fifth embodiment, are further modified so that the insulating layer (2) has a shock-absorbing effect.

In accordance with a seventh embodiment of the invention, a submunition having active masses is provided, wherein the submunition includes one or more active mass bodies, wherein each active mass body comprises: (a) an effective agent body container; (b) one or more active masses, wherein each active mass includes a pyrotechnic charge; and (c) an insulating layer disposed between the active body container and the pyrotechnic charge, wherein the active body container is closed by a cover provided with a blow-out opening formed in the cover. In accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention, the seventh embodiment is modified so that the active mass body is a pyrotechnic smoke body.

In accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present invention, the seventh embodiment is modified so that the submunition comprises a plurality of active mass bodies, wherein the active mass bodies are smoke bodies. In accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present invention, the submunition comprises a plurality of active body containers that are distributed symmetrically around an imaginary projectile longitudinal axis of the submunition.

In accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, the seventh embodiment is modified so that the insulating layer comprises compounds that are preparations or products of non-toxic, organic or inorganic compounds that include an element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, boron, aluminum, carbon, silicon and tin. In accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, the eleventh embodiment is further modified so that the insulating layer has a shock-absorbing effect.

The present invention is based on the idea of including an insulating layer, in particular a thermal insulating layer, between the submunitions to prevent the heat development that results from deliberate combustion of the active masses (i.e., munitions or pyrotechnic devices), and the heat transfer that then follows via the active mass container to active mass layers located underneath. The insulating layer is fitted in/on the active mass container by pushing in, insertion, injection and/or application, after which filling with the pyrotechnic active mass takes place. This ensures that a minimum amount of heat is introduced into the active mass that has not yet been burnt, as a result of the heat transfer during combustion. Flashover and explosive combustion are thus prevented. The separation of the active mass from the container prevents heat from being introduced from the container to the active mass, and/or a reaction from the container on the active mass, during combustion.

One advantage associated with this construction is that this layer has a shock-absorbing effect and is, therefore, suitable for minimizing the force/impulse introduced to the active mass as a result of striking the ground. At the same time, the insulating layer prevents the active mass from falling out of place as a result of strength losses, in particular, resulting from heat development.

Preparations or products of non-toxic, organic or inorganic compounds from groups 2, 3 and 4 of the periodic table of the elements, such as magnesium, calcium, boron, aluminum, carbon, silicon and ting are preferably used in accordance with the present invention. In other words, compounds whose chemical and physical characteristics comply with the characteristic preconditions of an insulating layer are used as the basis for forming the insulating layer.

The inclusion of an insulating layer, therefore, in accordance with the present invention improves the functional reliability by initiation of uniform combustion of the active mass until completion of burning, and, associated with this, improves a more uniform function by the active bodies. Furthermore, the inclusion of the insulating layer also improves safety with regard to objects thrown out during explosive combustion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments and drawings attached herewith, namely:

FIG. 1, which shows an active mass body for a submunitions having one or more active masses in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 2, which shows schematically a submunitions incorporating the active mass body of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the basic design of a pyrotechnic smoke body 1 (i.e., an active mass body, or more simply an “active body”) having an insulating layer 2 disposed between the active body container 3 and the pyrotechnic charge 4 (i.e., an active mass). As evident from FIG. 1, the active body container 3 contains a plurality of active masses 4, or the pyrotechnic smoke body 1 may contain a plurality of active body containers 3, with each containing an active mass 4. The active body containers 3 are distributed symmetrically around an imaginary projectile longitudinal axis 10. A plurality of active body containers 3 can thus form a submunition to be fired (not illustrated in any more detail). The container 3 or the housing can be closed by a cover 5 with a blow-out opening 6.

As shown schematically in FIG. 2, a submunitions 100 is constructed that incorporates one or more active mass bodies 1. 

1. An active mass body for a submunition having active masses, wherein the active mass body comprises: (a) an effective agent body container; (b) the active masses, wherein the active masses include a pyrotechnic charge; and (c) an insulating layer disposed between the active body container and the pyrotechnic charge, wherein the active body container is closed by a cover provided with a blow-out opening formed in the cover.
 2. The active mass body as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of smoke bodies form the submunition.
 3. The active mass body as claimed in claim 2, wherein the active mass body comprises a plurality of active body containers that are distributed symmetrically around an imaginary projectile longitudinal axis.
 4. The active mass body as claimed in claim 1, wherein compounds whose chemical and physical characteristics comply with characteristic preconditions of an insulating layer are used as the basis for the insulating layer.
 5. The active mass body as claimed in claim 4, wherein the compounds are preparations or products of non-toxic, organic or inorganic compounds from groups 2, 3 and 4 of the periodic table of elements.
 6. The active mass body as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulating layer has a shock-absorbing effect.
 7. The active mass body as claimed in claim 1, wherein the active mass body is a pyrotechnic smoke body.
 8. The active mass body as claimed in claim 5, wherein the compounds are preparations or products of non-toxic, organic or inorganic compounds from groups 2, 3 and 4 of the periodic table of elements that include an element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, boron, aluminum, carbon, silicon and tin.
 9. The active mass body as claimed in claim 2, wherein compounds whose chemical and physical characteristics comply with characteristic preconditions of an insulating layer are used as the basis for the insulating layer.
 10. The active mass body as claimed in claim 9, wherein the compounds are preparations or products of non-toxic, organic or inorganic compounds from groups 2, 3 and 4 of the periodic table of elements.
 11. The active mass body as claimed in claim 10, wherein the compounds are preparations or products of non-toxic, organic or inorganic compounds from groups 2, 3 and 4 of the periodic table of elements that include an element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, boron, aluminum, carbon, silicon and tin.
 12. The active mass body as claimed in claim 3, wherein compounds whose chemical and physical characteristics comply with characteristic preconditions of an insulating layer are used as the basis for the insulating layer.
 13. The active mass body as claimed in claim 12, wherein the compounds are preparations or products of non-toxic, organic or inorganic compounds from groups 2, 3 and 4 of the periodic table of elements.
 14. The active mass body as claimed in claim 13, wherein the compounds are preparations or products of non-toxic, organic or inorganic compounds from groups 2, 3 and 4 of the periodic table of elements that include an element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, boron, aluminum, carbon, silicon and tin.
 15. A submunition having active masses, wherein the submunition includes one or more active mass bodies, wherein each active mass body comprises: (a) an effective agent body container; (b) one or more active masses, wherein each active mass includes a pyrotechnic charge; and (c) an insulating layer disposed between the active body container and the pyrotechnic charge, wherein the active body container is closed by a cover provided with a blow-out opening formed in the cover.
 16. The submunition as claimed in claim 15, wherein the active mass body is a pyrotechnic smoke body.
 17. The submunition as claimed in claim 15, wherein the submunition comprises a plurality of active mass bodies, wherein the active mass bodies are smoke bodies.
 18. The submunition as claimed in claim 17, wherein the submunition comprises a plurality of active body containers that are distributed symmetrically around an imaginary projectile longitudinal axis of the submunition.
 19. The submunition as claimed in claim 15, wherein the insulating layer comprises compounds that are preparations or products of non-toxic, organic or inorganic compounds that include an element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, boron, aluminum, carbon, silicon and tin.
 20. The active mass body as claimed in claim 19, wherein the insulating layer has a shock-absorbing effect. 